Death Penalty Sought For Gang Leader Married To Gary City Councilor

HAMMOND, Ind. -- The US Attorney in northern Indiana wants the death penalty for an accused gang leader and husband of a Gary City councilor.

42-year-old Teddy Caldwell is charged with conspiracy, drug dealing and murder as he stands accused of killing two men in the last year and a half. According to The Northwest Indiana Times, Caldwell is married to, but separated from, City Councilwoman Linda Barnes-Caldwell.

He was identified by the FBI and ATF in a months-long federal investigation as the ringleader of a drug trafficking operation. The organizations and they say he's responsible for the murders of Akeem Oliver in 2016 and Kevin Hood in 2017.

Kirsch is looking for the death penalty for Caldwell and three other men linked to his drug operation: 23-year-old Devonte Hodge, 24-year-old Devontae Martin, 24-year-old Taquan Clarke

However, the Times reports, Kirsch cannot unilaterally seek the death penalty in the case and must wait for a ruling from the Department of Justice in Washington.